AI Strategy, Startup Bill Will Create Sustainable Solutions for Zambia – HH
President Hakainde Hichilema says Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy and the Startup Bill which Ministry of Technology and Science is finalizing, will form a legal basis for innovators to utilize their ideas and create sustainable solutions for the country.
In a speech read for him by Education Minister Douglas Syakalima, at the 2024 Tech Expo and Copperbelt University Challenge held in Kitwe, President Hichilema, stated that the two documents will also provide policy direction for innovation in the country.
He further said the two policy documents will help in promoting solutions that young people have as ideas, stating that government is committed to investing in research and innovation.
The Head of State also paid tribute to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for choosing Zambia to host the Minetech, a Center of Excellence in mining technology.
“The Minetech will help in finding solutions to the challenges the mining sector is facing in Africa,” President Hichilema said.
Speaking at the same event, Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati revealed that government has invested $3 million and UNDP $6 million in setting up the Minetech in Zambia.
“The Minetech will be a continental center where solutions to the mining sector will be provided to the rest of Africa,” Mr. Mutati stated.
Meanwhile, UNDP Resident Representative James Wakiaga disclosed that the Minetech hub will soon be launched in Zambia.
Mr. Wakiaga thanked the Zambian government for promoting innovation and investing in youths who are working on sustainable solutions.
“Government’s decision to invest in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) schools is a worthwhile investment which will increase the number of girls in sciences. Very few girls are into science courses and the STEM schools will help a lot,” Mr. Wakiaga noted.
And Copperbelt University (CBU) Vice Chancellor Professor Imasiku Nyambe disclosed that the institution needs K304 million to modernize its infrastructure and improve operations. Professor Nyambe urged university alumni to help the institution improve its operations.
